“Education is the only weapon that can defeat our enemies.

The story of why I am here starts 15 years ago: My father was working for a political party that fought for the rights of our people, the Hazaras. In his opinion, Shias and Sunnis should not fight against each other, but stand together to improve the country. He was a very kind man and well known in our province Bamyan. Many people who had a problem came to our house because they knew that my father would try to help them. Whenever I was scared, he told me: ‘Try to study and to improve yourself and always be kind and help other people.’

When I was only six years old, he was murdered by the Taliban. After that, my mother escaped to Pakistan with my little sister, my four brothers and me. Nine years later, we thought it would be safe to go back to Afghanistan. But after some time, spies of the Taliban found out that our family was back and tried to attack us. Fortunately, we got help from the local people nearby and the attack failed. Afterwards, we complained to the governor of Bamyan but he said that they couldn’t protect us against our enemies. So we had to flee again.

On our way to Europe, I lost my family. At the Turkish-Iranian border, the smugglers separated us and I lost sight of them. That was one and a half months ago and I miss them so much; especially my little sister and my mother. It’s so hard for me to be separated from the persons I have spent my entire life with. But I have to stay hopeful that I will find them.

Now I am at a refugee camp in Austria. The atmosphere here isn’t good because there is not much to do and everybody is worrying about getting a citizenship. I spend most of my time waiting and thinking about my family. But I’ve had an idea: Don’t just hand out stuff to the refugees. We could work for everything we get and prepare

our own meals. Give us information about your culture and the opportunity to learn the language as soon as possible. This wouldn’t only be good for the refugees, but also for the Austrian government. We could help ourselves if you just let us.

Being optimistic and open-minded is very important to me. I believe that talking about positive things causes more positive things to happen, and the other way round. It’s a shame that most people only know about the negative aspects of Afghanistan. The terrorists have destroyed many things, but people should know about the hospitality and kindness of our culture. I remember that whenever foreign people came to our area, everyone wanted to invite them into their homes and prepare their best meals for them. Afghanis love celebrating and at our weddings, there are hundreds of guests who dance, play games and enjoy themselves.

I know that one day I can be as good as my father and help to improve the lives of other people. But until then, I have to continue to learn everything I can, because I believe that education is the only key to a bright future. Growing up, I learned Urdu, Pashto, Dari and English, and I tried to become a good speaker. As a child, sometimes my teacher selected me to give speeches at graduavvtion ceremonies to encourage other children to study hard. Now I want to study Information Technology and also political and social subjects. I like reading about philosophers like Socrates and Plato, because I believe their views about peace and humanity apply to all the people on this planet, regardless where they live.

Some days ago, a helper at the refugee camp told me the best thing I have heard in a long time: There is a university for refugees in Austria. Joining this program would mean so much to me. I am hopeful.”